House Sparrows and Turkeys at Bronte Creek: February 2021

Everyone is familiar with House Sparrows though experts aren’t sure if they are actually in the sparrow family, the weaver finch family or some other grouping. They are found on every continent in the world except Antarctica though they are originally from the Middle East and have migrated or been brought by human beings elsewhere.

House Sparrows

During a walk at Bronte Creek Provincial Park on this chilly but sunny morning I came across a little farm which is in operation in the park:

cattle
Domestic Turkeys
Domestic Turkey
Domestic Turkey
Domestic Turkeys
Domestic Turkey

People are not discouraged from feeding these turkeys.

House Sparrows, who have probably been here for generations, know all about the plentiful feed and a family of about a dozen appear to live here year round.

House Sparrow (male)
House Sparrow (male)
House Sparrow (male)

Cardinals are also attracted:

Northern Cardinal (female)

Some botany:

Zigzag Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis)
Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
Polypore on American beech
Hop-hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)
Hop-hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)
Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
Sugar Maple with unusual form
White Spruce (Picea glauca)
Manitoba Maple (Acer negundo)
Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
Basswood (Tilia americana)
Butternut (Juglans cinerea)

NATURE POETRY

As Trees are by their Bark embrac’d,
Love to my Soul doth cling; – John Wilmot 1647 – 80)

Miles Hearn

2 thoughts on “House Sparrows and Turkeys at Bronte Creek: February 2021

  1. Lisa Volkov

    Looking at the cows and domestic turkeys, I am reminded of a relatively recent “Mutts” cartoon in which the neighbourhood butcher whose shop the cat and dog characters always visit in order to cadge snacks (whereupon he always kicks them out) has an “epiphany” visiting a petting farm and converts his delicatessen, a long-running feature of this animal-friendly strip, into one that is vegan. What can I say? I was a vegetarian, but I became very ill and had to give it up. Then I look at the animals here and feel guilty. More power to those who can do it, I guess!
    Thanks, Miles! (I mean it–I did enjoy the pictures!)

    Reply

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